Africa

Whether it’s the wildlife, scenery, or people you remember most, Africa is out on its own for sheer scale, variety and dramatic impact. It’s an extraordinary place that will entice you back again and again, from the elegance and charm of Cape Town to the primal attractions of the Serengeti and the impossibly-perfect beaches lapped by the Indian Ocean.

Arabia

With its gleaming towers rising out of the desert, constantly sun-drenched beaches, world-beating designer shopping and fabulous hotels, the UAE serves up the very last word in urbane glamour, while Oman is a stylish and sophisticated choice for those looking to enjoy the very best Arabia has to offer.

Asia

How can you begin to sum up Asia? Mysterious, majestic, surprising, spiritual, energetic, enticing… it’s all those and more. A trip here is a true voyage of discovery, not least because its cultures and history have been hidden to Western eyes for too long, and with so much to explore, you’ll be back time and again.

Australasia

Explore, cherish and fall in love with Australia, the world’s largest island; the epic countryside and adrenaline-junkie Eden of New Zealand, or the spectacularly laid-back islands of French Polynesia – which bring to life just how dreamy reality can get.

Europe

From the sun-kissed Mediterranean to sophisticated cities, Europe’s diversity is without equal. Its converted castles, restored monasteries, refurbished palaces and rolling landscapes are all testimony to its fascinating history, whilst the gourmet cuisine, vintage wines and glamorous nightlife reflect the continent’s irrepressible joie de vivre.

Indian Ocean

Choose from idyllic islands adrift in the Indian Ocean, seducing you with overwater villas, underwater reefs, iridescent white sands, swaying sugar cane and cerulean oceans; or the magnificence of the Indian Subcontinent’s temples, Buddhist Kingdoms and beaches throughout Sri Lanka – all serving up a feast for senses as well as the soul.

The Americas

Straddling the two Poles and encompassing myriad landscapes and cultures, The Americas offer an almost tireless treasure trove of experiences for travellers, from the remains of ancient civilizations in South America to the gleaming cities of Canada and the US, peppered amongst ever-changing landscapes which define majesty.

WE DESIGN EACH ITINERARY AROUND YOU, SO THIS SUGGESTED ITINERARY IS A STARTING POINT THAT WE CAN TWEAK OR TRANSFORM INTO SOMETHING COMPLETELY BESPOKE TO YOU.
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Day 1

Verona

Remarkable LandmarksArena di Verona on Piazza Bra – one of the best preserved ancient structures of its kind dating back 2000 years, and host to the historic annual Opera Festival.

Castelvecchio, built in the 15th century to protect the city, now home to military artefacts, sculptures and paintings, and a connecting bridge -
Ponte Scaligero – constructed as an escape route to the countryside which boasts one of the city’s most evocative views.

For something a little more light-hearted, take in the seriously stunning lake views while biking along the
Ciclo-Pedonale from Lazise to Bardolino. Or take the kids to Italy’s biggest theme park,
Gardaland, where Peppa Pig will be setting up home later this year.

Lake Garda to Lake Iseo

Drive Time: 1 hour | Distance: 40 miles

Remarkable LandmarksGo back in time on
Monte Isola, Europe’s largest lake island, where only the priests, doctors and the mayor have cars. Wander the backstreets of
Peschiera, visit the two lost-in-time waterfront fishing villages; go by mule to the picture-perfect chapel at Isola’s peak; or take the nine-mile trail on foot or by bike around this entire gorgeous wooded isle.

Up in the hills, between Bergamo and Lake Iseo, in the heart of the Valcalepio region, wine-lovers won’t want to miss
Castello di Grumello, a castle dating back to the Middle Ages that now also produces around 100,000 bottles of wine annually.

Remarkable RestaurantsRistorante Locanda al Lago, in the middle of the lake on Monte Isola, where you’ll feast on the area’s finest seafood.

Lake Iseo to Lake Como

Remarkable LandmarksThe heavenly
Villa del Balbianello – so picturesque in fact, it was cast as the Lake Retreat of Padmé and Anakin in Star Wars Attack of the Clones.

In Como’s historic centre, the green-domed
Duomo blends over 400 hundreds of years of styles, influences and inflections of copious artists and skilled artisans.

‘Pearl of the Lake’
Bellagio will have you smitten with its maze of tiny streets, steep stone staircases, red-roofed and green-shuttered buildings, and rhododendron-filled gardens.

That’s not to say Bellagio has the monopoly on gorgeous grounds though.
Villa Carlotta’s magnificent Botanical Gardens near Tremezzo are a modern theatre of greenery, awash with colour, and dotted with mythological statues.

Remarkable RestaurantsComo’s
La Colombetta – a rich and modern interpretation of authentic Sardinian cuisine; and a family-run favourite with the likes of George Clooney and Robert De Niro.

Lake Como to lake Maggiore

Drive Time: 1 hour, 25 minutes | Distance: 66 miles

Remarkable LandmarksLoved by Ernest Hemingway and more recently the royal family, the
Borromean Islands of Isola Bella and Isola Madre are unique little worlds of their own, bursting with flora and fauna: the former entirely occupied by the sumptuous 17th-century
Palazzo Borromeo and its scenographic terraced gardens; the latter home to a magnificently romantic botanical garden rich in rare plants and where a collection of white peacocks, golden pheasants and parrots live freely in this splendid natural setting.

Travel up
Monte Sasso del Ferro on the on the
Laveno Bucket Lift for picture-perfect panoramas (choose an open air ‘bucket’ for peak photo ops). And for the best view in town, head to Stresa for drinks at
Hotel La Palma’s super-cool rooftop Sky Bar.

Remarkable RestaurantsDinner in one of the charming restaurants on Isola Pescatori.

Stay: Grand Hotel Majestic Pallanza (3 nights)​

Your Stay

A truly majestic Belle Époque villa resting on the shores of Lake Maggiore with glorious lake views and delightful English-style gardens., Grand Hotel Majestic Pallanza is a marvellous place to unwind.

Lake Maggiore to Lake Orta

Drive Time: 40 minutes | Distance: 19 miles

Remarkable LandmarksMake a break for the largely pedestrian-only
Isola San Giulio, dominated by its 12th-century Romanesque basilica, bishop’s palace and Benedictine abbey. Perfect for a romantic afternoon amongst its charming piazzas lined with markets, cafés and small family-owned restaurants.

Another wonderfully tranquil way to pass a few hours is meandering from chapel to chapel on the
Sacro Monte di Orta. Twenty small chapels dedicated to St Francis of Assisi dot the hillside; and the views down to the lake are completely captivating.

Remarkable RestaurantsTwo-Michelin-starred gourmet restaurant at
Villa Crespi (20 minutes’ walk from Hotel San Rocco on Via G. Fava) – a fusion of the Mediterranean flavours of Naples (chef Antonino Cannavacciuolo’s home town) and the traditions of his adoptive Piedmont.